Systematic review of psychosocial interventions for adult cancer patients and their family caregivers in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Cancer is becoming a public health issue in the Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This systematic review aims to synthesise psychosocial interventions and their effects on the health outcomes of adult cancer patients and their family caregivers in SSA. We identified eligible publications in English language from PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus with Full Text, Embase, APA PsycInfo, Scopus, and African Index Medicus databases. We included psychosocial interventions targeted adult cancer patients/survivors or their family caregivers in SSA. This review identified five psychosocial interventions from six studies that support adult cancer patients and their family caregivers in SSA. The interventions focused on providing informational, psycho-cognitive, and social support. Three interventions significantly improved quality of life outcomes for cancer patients and their caregivers. Significant gaps exist between the rapidly increasing cancer burdens and the limited psychosocial educational interventions supporting adult cancer patients and their families in SSA. The reviewed studies provide preliminary evidence on development and testing interventions that aim to improve patients' and caregivers' quality of life.

Psychosocial experiences of cancer survivors and their caregivers in sub-Saharan Africa: A synthesis of qualitative studies.

OBJECTIVE: To synthesize and examine current literature on survivorship experiences and psychosocial oncologic care programs of individuals affected by cancer in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). METHODS: This was a systematic review guided by the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. We searched 6 databases for articles published from inception to 21 October 2021. Articles were appraised using the Johanna Briggs Institute's Checklist for Qualitative Research. For data synthesis, we used the World Health Organization (WHO) quality of life framework [WHOQOL] to organize experiences into 6 domains/themes. RESULTS: Twenty-five qualitative studies were included in the synthesis. Studies focused on psychosocial care of adults (>18 years) affected by cancer in SSA. The common WHOQOL domains were social relations, spirituality/religion/personal beliefs, and psychological. CONCLUSION: Findings echo need for individuals with cancer and their caregivers. Healthcare professionals are an essential resource for information and support services that can be tailored to individuals need. This synthesis highlighted caregiver stress and stressors from the community that could impact care of individuals with cancer. A holistic approach is needed that incorporates professional and social aspects of care.

Quality of life among patients with cancer and their family caregivers in the Sub-Saharan region: A systematic review of quantitative studies.

Guided by the World Health Organization quality of life (WHOQOL) framework, this systematic review aimed to examine evidence about the prevalence and severity of QOL-related health problems and their influencing factors in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We identified eligible publications in English language from PubMed, Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Plus with Full Text, Embase, APA PsycInfo, Scopus, and African Index Medicus databases. We included quantitative descriptive studies that measured overall and subdomains of QOL as the outcome in adult patients/survivors with cancer in SSA. Twenty-six descriptive cross-sectional studies (27 papers) that were conducted since 1988 in different SSA countries among patients with various types of cancer met our inclusion criteria. We found inconsistencies in how the prevalence and severity of QOL-related health problems have been researched and reported across studies, which complicated comparing findings and drawing conclusions. The most common factors that influenced the overall and subdomains of QOL included coping; internal and external locus of control; symptoms and symptom management; and religious beliefs and religious care. Demographics (e.g., age and marital status), cancer-related factors (cancer stage and type of treatment), and social determinants of health (e.g., education, access to information and resources, financial distress, and urban vs rural residency) also impacted QOL and its subdomains. Our findings indicate the significant need for recognizing and managing QOL-related problems for cancer patients and caregivers in SSA. Research needs to use culturally adapted, standardized assessment tools and analysis approaches to better understand the QOL challenges this population faces. Comprehensive supportive care is needed to address the complex QOL issues in resource-limited SSA.

The Challenges of Enrollment and Retention: A Systematic Review of Psychosocial Behavioral Interventions for Patients With Cancer and Their Family Caregivers.

CONTEXT: Psychosocial behavioral interventions (PBIs) that target patients with cancer and their caregivers face challenges in participant enrollment and retention. OBJECTIVES: 1) Describe characteristics of the patient-caregiver PBI studies; 2) examine participant enrollment and retention rates; 3) identify factors influencing participant enrollment and retention rates; and 4) explore the strategies to promote enrollment and retention rates. METHODS: We identified randomized controlled trials that tested PBIs among adult patients with cancer and caregivers in five electronic databases. We conducted narrative and quantitative analyses to synthesize our findings. RESULTS: Among 55 qualified studies reviewed, most tested the efficacy of PBIs (n = 42) and used two study arms (n = 48). In-person meeting was the most common PBI delivery mode. The primary outcomes included quality of life, physical health, and symptoms. The average of enrollment rates of patient-caregiver dyads was 33% across studies (range 8%-100%; median = 23%). The average retention rate at the end of follow-ups was 69% (range 16%-100%; median = 70%). The number of study arms, recruitment method, type of patient-caregiver relationship, and intervention duration influenced enrollment rates. Study design (efficacy vs. pilot), follow-up duration, mode of delivery, type of relationship, and intervention duration influenced retention rates. Sixteen studies reported retention strategies, including providing money/gift cards upon study completion and/or after follow-up survey, and excluding patients with advanced cancer. CONCLUSION: Researchers need to incorporate effective strategies to optimize enrollment and retention in patient-caregiver PBI trials. Researchers need to report detailed study processes and PBI information to improve research transparency and increase consistency.

Mobile health apps use among Jordanian outpatients: A descriptive study.

Our purpose in this descriptive cross-sectional study was to examine the prevalence of mobile health (mHealth) apps use, factors associated with downloading mHealth apps, and to describe characteristics of mHealth apps use among Jordanian patients in government-sponsored outpatient clinics. A total of 182 (41.6%) of the 438 outpatients who completed questionnaires downloaded mHealth apps. Common reasons for downloading mHealth apps included tracking physical activity, losing weight, learning exercises, as well as monitoring, and controlling diet. More than two thirds of the users (70%) stopped using the apps they downloaded due to loss of interest, lack of anticipated support, too time consuming, or better apps available. The most common personal reasons for never downloading mHealth apps were lack of interest, in good health, and the most common technical reasons included a limited data plan, lack of trust, cost, and complexity of the apps. We also found that gender, age, weight, and educational level influenced the decision whether to download mHealth apps or not. We have shown the potential in mHealth apps use among Jordanian patients is promising, and health care systems must adopt this technology as well as work through population needs and preferences to supply it.

Psychosocial interventions for siblings of children with cancer: A mixed methods systematic review.

OBJECTIVE: This review systematically (1) describes the characteristics of psychosocial interventions for siblings of children with cancer (SCC); (2) assesses the effect of the psychosocial interventions on SCCs' outcomes, and (3) describes SCCs' experiences and perceptions of these interventions. METHODS: Seven databases were systematically searched for relevant literature. We included both quantitative and qualitative studies of psychological interventions designed to improve the adjustment of SCCs. RESULTS: Our database searches yielded 19 publications. We found a range of psychosocial interventions being used among SCCs, with group interventions being the most common. The primary outcomes focused on the SCCs' depression, anxiety, and quality of life. Quantitative studies provided insufficient evidence to draw definitive conclusions about the interventions' effects, whereas the qualitative studies indicated that SCCs can derive benefits from these interventions, including an enhanced sense of belonging and bonding, improved family relationships, increased self-awareness and confidence, increased cancer knowledge, and decreased somatic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Although a growing number of psychosocial interventions have been developed to improve the adjustment of SCCs, research evidence of the effects of these interventions on SCCs' adjustment remains limited. Future research needs to rigorously evaluate the effects of these interventions.

Systematic review of illness uncertainty management interventions for cancer patients and their family caregivers.

PURPOSE: Illness uncertainty pervades individuals' experiences of cancer across the illness trajectory and is associated with poor psychological adjustment. This review systematically examined the characteristics and outcomes of interventions promoting illness uncertainty management among cancer patients and/or their family caregivers. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, PsycINFO, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews were systematically searched for relevant literature. We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-experimental studies focusing on interventions for uncertainty management in cancer patients and/or their family caregivers. RESULTS: Our database searches yielded 26 studies. Twenty interventions were only offered to cancer patients, who were mostly elder, female, and White. All interventions included informational support. Other intervention components included emotional support, appraisal support, and instrumental support. Most interventions were delivered in person and via telephone (n = 8) or exclusively in person (n = 7). Overall, 18 studies identified positive intervention effects on illness uncertainty outcomes. CONCLUSION: This systematic review foregrounds the promising potential of several interventions-and especially multi-component interventions-to promote uncertainty management among cancer patients and their family caregivers. To further improve these interventions' effectiveness and expand their potential impact, future uncertainty management interventions should be tested among more diverse populations using rigorous methodologies.

Systematic review of technology-based interventions to improve anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life among patients with prostate cancer.

OBJECTIVES: This review aimed to systematically evaluate the characteristics of technology-based interventions (TBIs) and their effectiveness on anxiety, depression, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among patients with prostate cancer. METHODS: We identified eligible research reports published in English language between January 1, 2000, and September 15, 2018, from CINAHL; Embase; "Library and Information Science Abstracts"; "Library, Information Science and Technology Abstracts"; "Library and Information Science Source"; PsychINFO; and PubMed. We abstracted randomized control trials and quasi-experimental studies that measured the outcomes related to anxiety, depression, or HRQoL. We extracted the data using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions guideline. RESULTS: Among the six randomized control trials and four quasi-experimental studies that met our inclusion criteria, the TBIs aimed to provide informational, psychosocial, self-care management, and communication support. About 60-92% of the participants in six studies completed all required contents and 77-94% of the participants in four studies logged onto the TBI platform. Compared with the patients in usual care, the TBI users reported a significant reduction in anxiety (N=1 study) and depression (N=2 studies) and improvement in HRQoL (N=2 studies). We also identified the limitations of the existing TBI trials. CONCLUSIONS: We found insufficient evidence to support the effectiveness of TBIs in improving health outcomes (anxiety, depression, and HRQOL) among patients with prostate cancer. Future research needs to (1) use rigorous randomized control trials, (2) be sufficiently powered to examine the effects of TBIs, and (3) examine how the effect of TBIs on health outcomes vary by actual intervention use, intervention components, and duration.

Management of Androgen Deprivation Therapy-Associated Hot Flashes in Men With Prostate Cancer.

PROBLEM IDENTIFICATION: To determine best practices for managing hot flashes associated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with prostate cancer. LITERATURE SEARCH: The CINAHL®, Embase®, PsycINFO®, PubMed®, and Scopus® databases were used to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasiexperimental studies published between January 1994 and June 2018. DATA EVALUATION: Using the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, the authors reviewed 15 studies examining the effects of pharmacologic or complementary and alternative medicine interventions on ADT-associated hot flashes in men with prostate cancer. SYNTHESIS: Pharmacologic interventions (e.g., cyproterone, medroxyprogesterone, megestrol acetate) showed some promise for reducing hot flashes but were associated with side effects and risks. Acupuncture demonstrated potential benefit in reducing hot flashes without side effects. IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: Evidence is insufficient to support interventions for ADT-associated hot flashes in men with prostate cancer. Future RCTs should be sufficiently powered, include a control group, and use standardized outcome measures.

The relationship between perceived competence and perceived workplace bullying among registered nurses: A cross sectional survey.

BACKGROUND: Workplace bullying is one of the most prevalent work-related psychological and physical issues in health care facilities. Workplace bullying has detrimental effects not only on the bullied person/persons but also on health care facilities and care quality and patient safety. AIMS: To examine the prevalence of workplace bullying and the relationship between workplace bullying and perceived competence among Jordanian registered nurses working in private hospitals DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey study. SETTING: Data were collected from registered nurses working in seven private hospitals in the Capital of Amman. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were 269 registered nurses who had a minimum of a bachelor degree, passed the hospital's competency nursing examinations, able to read and understand English, and were able and willing to complete the survey. METHODS: The Negative Act Questionnaire-Revised, and Nurse Professional Competence scale were used for data collection. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to assess predictors of greater reporting of perceived workplace bullying. FINDINGS: Almost 43% of the participants perceived themselves to be victims of severe workplace bullying while more than 31% perceived themselves to be victims of occasional workplace bullying. Person-related bullying was the most frequently reported type of workplace bullying followed by work-related bullying. Age, gender, and sum score on Nurse Professional Competence scale explained significant amount of variance in perceived workplace bullying. CONCLUSION: The majority of Jordanian nurses working in private hospitals perceive themselves as victims of either occasional or severe workplace bullying. Amongst all related variables, perceived competence is the most significant predictor of perceived workplace bullying.

Assessing the impact of workplace bullying on nursing competences among registered nurses in Jordanian public hospitals.

AIM: To assess the impact of nursing competences on workplace bullying among registered nurses in Jordanian public hospitals. BACKGROUND: Workplace bullying has serious organizational and health effects on nursing staff. Little is known about the relationship between bullying and nursing competence worldwide. METHOD: A cross-sectional descriptive study using a quantitative method was adopted for this study. The Negative Act Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R) and Nurse Professional Competence (NPC) questionnaire were used. A convenience sample of 272 nurses completed the study questionnaires. RESULTS: The results revealed that there were negative correlations between all NAQ scales and all NPC scales. The higher scores indicated better degrees of perceived competency, while the lower scores indicated the frequency of bullying reported by nurses. These results suggest that nurses who have more clinical competencies are less likely to experience work-related bullying. CONCLUSION: The study found that workplace bullying against nursing staff is still a considerable problem in participating Jordanian hospitals. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING MANAGEMENT: To prohibit bullying behavior, nurse administrators have to construct a work environment that demonstrates respect and fairness and which is transmitted through nurses' communication pathways.